Choosing a Pushchair Stroller

A pushchair or pram is an essential part of any baby's kit. The best pushchair for your child depends on their age and lifestyle.

Make sure the recliner is in place. Some pushchairs are suitable to newborns, and can be used from birth. Other models are recommended from six months.

Comfort

A good pushchair should be comfortable for both baby and parent. The suspension system is an important element in this. It might not be a major factor for if you plan to use your pushchair only for local trips to the shops however if you plan on going on walks in the countryside and other adventures, then a better suspension will be needed. Design of the seat and Pushchair Stroller padding are equally important in this regards.

Another important aspect is the recline mechanism. The backrest should be adjustable to recline flat enough that your baby can lay in a completely flat position to sleep. The ease with which this can be operated is also crucial. Some systems come with a drawstring or strap that is difficult to operate using one hand. Other systems are more user-friendly thanks to levered mechanisms.

Many pushchairs are equipped with storage to store all those important baby items, like diapers, wipes and snacks. When you are choosing a new pushchair, you should think about this feature, since it will make your life more efficient and organized. It is worth checking that the storage is easy to access and is able to be opened and closed with just one hand, especially if you are holding a child and juggling shopping bags!

The size and type of wheels of your pushchair could be important, depending on how you intend to use it. The larger wheels provide the most stable ride, while smaller wheels are lighter, more maneuverable and more light. You can test how easy a pushchair is to maneuver by adding weight to the seat, and then pushing it around. It is also worthwhile to check the brakes and swivel lock mechanisms to see how well they work. These features are often not considered, but they can make a huge difference to the usability of your pushchair. Be sure that the stroller is easy to fold, especially in the event that it will be used for travel and getting on and off trains and buses. Many manufacturers produce lightweight pushchairs that can be folded down in a matter of seconds and then tucked in a compact space for transportation. They are a great benefit for parents with busy schedules.

Safety

A well-constructed pushchair comes with many safety features to make sure your child is safe in the seat. A five-point harness is essential with two straps that fit around the shoulders, two straps around the hips and another between the legs. This is the best method to stop your child being able to slip out of the seat, although it's important that you always fix it correctly.

Flexible tyres - Based on your lifestyle, you may require your pushchair to withstand Pushchair Stroller different surfaces and terrains. Certain tyres are best suited for urban and town life while others are more robust and you may choose all-terrain wheels that offer the same performance in urban environments as they do off-road.

Easy-to-use brakes - Having reliable, easily operated brakes is a must for any pushchair. Find ones that can be activated by pressing on a single pedal, and ensure that they're not sagging or sticking out in ways that could get stuck on clothing or other objects. Avoid pedals that require you to press both brakes simultaneously since this is dangerous and difficult for newly-born mothers.

Sun canopy - A sun canopy is an essential accessory to any pushchair because it protects your baby from the elements and help them stay cool. Some designs have transparent parts that let parents observe their child without removing the canopy.

Handles - The design of the handle is also important, as it determines how it is simple to operate your pushchair with car seat. Look for handles that are ergonomically designed, with a grip that is comfortable to hold and at an appropriate height for your height and age. Choose one or two handles and think about whether you'd prefer an umbrella fold to make it easier to store.

A good pushchair should also come with a basket for storing items, and some even include rain covers. It is important to remember not to overload a stroller, as it can tip over and injure your child. Make sure you have read the manufacturer's instructions to find out how much weight your basket can support, and don't hang any bags from the handles.

Design

There are many types of pushchairs ranging from buggies to prams, strollers and travel systems choosing the one that best suits your lifestyle is crucial. Think about whether you need it to fold flat, fit into the car boot or on and off public transport, as this will affect the ease of use on a day-to-day basis.

If you are planning to travel off-road with your baby, look for a model that has suspension for a comfortable ride. Also look at the type of handlebars. The ones that are adjustable to fit people of all sizes tend to be more comfortable pushing, particularly if you spend long periods of time in the same position. It is also helpful to have the ability to lock the swivel wheels, which can improve the maneuverability on uneven surfaces.

Similarly, think about the size of the storage container as it will impact on how much you can carry with you. You may want to choose an extra large basket if you are planning on shopping or carrying additional baby items such as a bottle or a changing pad. Other features that are beneficial include adjustable leg rests which are great for putting your child in a more comfortable position. A majority of pushchairs have a sunshade that protects your child from sun. If not, then you can attach an extendable parasol that has SPF 50+ to the frame.

The main difference between a pram and a pushchair is that a pram has an incline seat that is suitable for infants and newborns while a pushchair is designed for toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some models are a mix of both. For example 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 models have a seat that can be oriented either towards you or towards you.

You should be able easily to move your pushchair up and down stairs and escalators and through doors. Some pushchairs are difficult to manage this so be sure to test it out beforehand.

Folding

A pushchair is a baby vehicle with wheels, specifically designed to accommodate newborns and older babies up to the age of three or four. Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth and allow them to lie flat and facing upwards, or they might include an adapter for infant car seats to allow you to attach an infant car seat or carrycot which is useful for traveling and also parents who would prefer their child to be facing rear at all times.

A good quality pushchair is simple to maneuver and folds flat when not in use. It should have a responsive brake system for safety and comfort. A hood is also recommended to protect your baby from the sun and wind. It is important to remember that a pushchair requires regular cleaning to keep it in good condition.

The fabric and the removable parts like the hood should be easy to wash. The hood can be cleaned with the attachment of a vacuum cleaner and you can soak the fabric in cool soapy water and then scrub off any mildew or dirt with a soft brush (do this outdoors to prevent spreading mould). The pushchair must be allowed to dry completely before it can be put back into use.

The most popular and affordable pushchairs usually have a light aluminium frame with hard rubber tyres. They can be used on all surfaces including city streets and country trails. Certain pushchairs come with features that are specific to different terrains. For example, they may feature lockable or swivelling wheels for rough terrain.

When not in use, a compact and easy-to-fold pushchair will save you space. It can be tucked away in your living room or even in a small trunk for transportation. Some models fold in a matter of seconds using just one hand.

The Cybex Priam pushchair is an of the models, and it's also compatible with the UPPAbaby Piggyback ride-along board for siblings to join in the fun. This stylish triple stroller is a great option for parents who want an easy-to-use pushchair that is full of practicality, but it also has a huge basket for shopping and a sturdy design.